Rochester officials aren’t ready to hang out the welcome sign for purveyors of medicinal pot.

A new state law, passed by referendum in November, legalizes the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes and provides for the establishment of dispensaries where those with doctors’ prescriptions could buy their cannabis.

In response, the Rochester Planning Board is considering placing a “moratorium” on the establishment of any dispensary in their town – at least until state officials better define how the law will work.

Town Planner John Charbonneau said the state holds each county accountable for opening dispensaries.

"Each county must have at least one dispensary and no more than five," Charbonneau said.

Officials in nearby communities, including New Bedford and Wareham, are also discussing a moratorium bylaw, Charbonneau said.

To go into effect, the bylaw would have to be approved by Town Meeting.

The members of the Planning Board agreed with Charbonneau and will continue discussions at the next meeting on March 12.